Updated, 2026

Welcome! This list was created through input from volunteers, with the intent of building a list of reasons to volunteer that would be meaningful to people of all religious, secular, and spiritual identities.

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Barriers to volunteerism

According to the US Census Bureau and cited by AmeriCorps (Formerly the Corporation for National and Community Service), more than one in four Americans age 16 and older (28.3%) volunteered formally through an organization, demonstrating that volunteering remains an important activity for millions of Americans. In Florida, 20.4% of citizens engage in volunteer service.

• AmeriCorps Research: https://www.americorps.gov/about/our-impact/volunteering-civic-life
• 2024 Volunteering and Civic Life Research Summary

Note that informal volunteering (helping neighbors, or service not recorded by formal non-profit organizations, government agencies, or other official organizations) is common and not calculated in these statistics. It is estimated by the US Census Bureau that about 54% of Americans engage in informal volunteering. Informal volunteering is trending up in longitudinal data.

Volunteers provide important support for nonprofits, filling a gap and offering service that otherwise could not be provided to the community. More than benefiting the community, it has many benefits to the volunteer as well (see the Big List below!). So why are more than 70% of Americans not engaged in formal volunteering through organizations? According to VolunteerHub, factors may include time constraints, costs, or feelings of not belonging (culture, language, identity). Further, once a position is obtained, a lack of training, recognition, or supervision may cause a volunteer to not seek further engagement.

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Atheists, Humanists, and other secular identities – as well as adherents to minority religions – can face further barriers. Many often hesitate or decline to volunteer, donate, seek employment in social service – or even seek needed assistance – because so many charities are faith-biased organizations. Their identity may not feel welcomed, seen, or respected.

Even if branding themselves as welcoming and inclusive, faith-biased organizations can cause anxiety about the potential of being discriminated against or being compelled to participate in someone else’s religious ritual, prayer, or tradition. No one should have to pray to someone else’s G/god(s) in order to give or receive help.

There are, however, many volunteer opportunities available that are welcoming to all. If you are looking for a secular volunteer opportunity, you can vet potential charities and projects by reviewing their website, mission statement, diversity statement, and, if you’re comfortable doing so, have a conversation with the volunteer coordinator about your concerns. You might reach out to local Humanist organizations and ask about volunteering with them, or for their recommendations.

And if you’re looking for secular reasons to volunteer, this Big List was built with you in mind!

In addition to personal benefits, if you are comfortable volunteering with a Humanist or secular organization, or volunteering openly as a secular individual or a person of a minority religion, you help to combat myths and misconceptions about people who are not part of mainstream and majority religious traditions.

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Not only CAN everyone make a difference, but look at the amazing benefits to your own life! 

When you improve the community around you, you improve your own world.  No matter what your passion or interests, there are ways that you can use your talent and skills, whatever your availability and circumstances & whatever you’re interested in, to guide your decisions about where to invest your time and, if possible, donations.

How do you find a project that is meaningful to you? Start with a list of interests (like homelessness, hunger, animals) and google search to find volunteering organizations & non-profits in your area. Volunteering organizations, like the national Hands-On Network or the United Way, will provide a variety of volunteering opportunities so that you can try on different “hats” to enjoy a variety of experiences or find something that really inspires you that you want to commit to as “your” cause.

Are there non-religious groups to volunteer with? There are Atheist, Humanist, and other Secular identity organizations in most areas, and they often have volunteer programs or do group volunteering activities. You can find groups through the American Humanist Association or by doing a search for Humanist or secular groups in your area.

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Always research a group or organization before investing your time or money to make sure they are in good standing, responsible, achieve meaningful results, and align with your personal mission and values.  This is your investment; make sure it will have a good return.

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Here are some reasons people give for volunteering…
what resonates with you?

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Note that these are quotes and contributions from real volunteers about their own experiences. As these are individual perspectives, readers may connect with some more than others. References such as healing or helping physical or mental health are not intended to make medical claims.

• Giving back to the community
• Make a difference for people around us
• Set an example for children
• Set an example for others.
• Build skills and knowledge
• To “Pay it Forward”
• Because I said I would.
• Focusing on others reduces stress
• Builds positive emotions, which have a positive effect on personal health
• Build resume strength
• To add new dimensions to my life.
• To add kindness and goodness to the world
• Build confidence
• To help others succeed
• Volunteering helps rectify disconnection and self-interest that harm our community.
• Compassionate action is a natural expression of connection to the world around us.
• To see people happy – and know I brought that.
• To try new things
• To expand my exposure to diverse people in my community
• There are people who need help.
• To have a front-row seat to the good happening in the world.
• Flexibility of commitment to schedule and length of service – I can find a one-time event where I have time to help, and other longer term commitments that fit into my life responsibilities.
• To feel connected
• To contribute in a place where I can fully be myself.
• Flexibility – I can make a difference in a different area each month or year; in my job, I do the same thing year after year.
• It is addictive.
• To remind myself that small actions matter.
• The place I volunteer appreciates us and couldn’t achieve its mission without volunteers.
• Shift my mind from thinking about a problem to participating in a solution.
• To join my friends in their volunteer activities and be part of things they care about.
• Because I can.
• By my presence, creating a welcoming space for others like me.
• Put my values into action
• Create ripples – being part of something that continues beyond my contribution
• safeguard intellect and engender curiosity in subsequent generations.
• Gives me the warm & fuzzy feeling!
• Build relationships across generations and learn from each other
• I volunteer when I travel
• Explore new interests
• Stay sharp & keep learning
• Discover a new role after retirement
• Volunteering is positive for your mind, body, and spirit.
• It saves me money on entertainment and activities.
• To do something outside of my career, using my skills differently
• To uplift others.
• Honoring someone by supporting a cause that mattered to them
• To combat depression.
• To take on responsibilities.
• To see the success of the agency, and know I was part of that.  Like watching a tree grow when you help plant it.
• To do something I’m good at.
• I meet new clients for my business.
• To overcome my disabilities – there are always ways I can make a difference for others, not in spite of my chair, but because that empowers me to help even more, to inspire more people, and to increase the impact of my service in so many ways.
• Because it must be done.
• Our family volunteering together brings us closer.
• To add positive, meaningful experiences to my collection of great memories.
• Volunteering is the ultimate payback to those who helped me on the road to success.
• It is an essential Human responsibility
• To see my impact.
• Volunteers rock.  I wanna rock.  
• To have a place in the world, a voice, a meaningful existence.
• Instilled values and deeply held beliefs about helping others
• To demonstrate gratitude for what I have.
• Expand my social circle
• To show you believe something requires action on your part; that genuineness is what convinces others that there is value to your advocacy.
• To gain perspective on my own life
• Keeps me from feeling isolated.
• To recharge!
• It makes me feel alive.
• I can take meaningful action.
• To exercise my rights, responsibilities, and personal power
• To put words of caring into action.
• To see any animal or person suffering as if no one cares and not act? NOT ME.
• To step outside of my comfort zone into the zone of possibility where all the good stuff happens.
• I want my life to have value.
• To learn about people, teamwork, compassion, and about myself.
• Karma – so good things will come back around to me and those around me.
• Meet like-minded, motivated, positive people
• It brings me closer to my community
• Because I love my city and my country
• To act in a way consistent with my principles: Integrity.
• Fulfill a personal sense of purpose
• Unique opportunities and experiences
• To be empowered
• To escape daily life
• To gain a different perspective
• Investing your time rather than simply spending it.
• Providing a resource to the community by donating time so that money needed to accomplish that task can be spent on local improvements and needs.
• Networking
• To help someone
• To help the environment.
• To give a voice to someone who is marginalized.
• To create hope
• To impress your mom.
• To feel needed
• To enjoy meaningful conversation.
• In a world full of problems, to be part of the solution.
• To keep busy in a productive way.
• To feel proud of yourself.
• For a feeling of belonging.
• To have a sense of achievement.
• To repay a debt.
• To be an agent of change.
• Giving back and volunteering is part of my positive personal branding
• To donate your talents or professional skills
• Because of personal experience with a cause.
• To make a stand for others.
• For escape.
• To be a challenge
• I respect people who volunteer.  I want to be one of those people.
• For fun!
• To have an excuse to do what you love
• Volunteering is therapeutic
• I talk the talk, so I walk the walk.
• When I sponsor an activity and provide volunteers, my store gets recognition which builds the confidence of our customers and brings in new customers.
• Defeat boredom.
• Overcome financial challenges by participating in free, fun activities that make a difference – great for family activities.
• To make a difference
• Be active!
• It makes you feel good.
• To see more of our community – learn about the “hidden” people
• To meet the people we refer to as “people in need” and learn someone’s story and understand the person behind the face of the “in need” label.
• To make friends
• To meet people who share our values and interests
• To strengthen our community
• To learn about one’s self – hidden talents, strengths, abilities, and impact
• To learn about resources available in our community and how they impact others.
• Show someone in need that they are not alone and that the community cares about them
• Test out a career option or personal interest
• It adds value to my life
• To give back resources that we or others we know have utilized
• Serving with diverse people to make a difference builds bridges across differences
• Understanding community needs enhances personal empathy and self-efficacy
• Share your talents with others
• Demonstrate commitment to a cause
• Gain leadership skills
• Perform civic duty
• Bonding with friends, relatives, or significant others
• Be exposed to new ideas
• Grow in your understanding of the challenges of others
• Be a contributing member of society